Benedict, who has also won awards for his role as Victor Frankenstein and his monster in the West End production, became a huge star after taking on the part of the titular detective in BBC1's 'Sherlock' but admits he's not the nicest character to play.

He said: ''I always make it clear that people who become obsessed with him or the idea of him - he'd destroy you...

''He is an absolute b*****d.''

The actor is uncomfortable in the spotlight but has quickly realised the best way to stay undetected is not to draw attention to himself.

He explained: ''There is a way of just shadowing through. The higher the walls, the more dark the windows, the bigger the sunglasses - the more people are going to look.

''The greatest disguise is learning how to be invisible in plain sight.''